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Date: 12/19/2022
WARE – A science closet at the Ware Junior Senior High School (WJSHS) has turned into much more after being transformed into a food pantry for students in need.
The food pantry, located in science teacher Lisa Patterson’s classroom closet, is run by the Ware Cares Advisory Council. Serving as a “no judgment zone,” students can visit the pantry to collect food, personal care and hygiene products, among other items.
Many years ago, Patterson said a speaker came in and discussed his childhood in poverty. When it was his turn to gather food for his family, he would steal ketchup packets from restaurants and make tomato soup out of it. Patterson said, “I thought if we could provide a place here, we could empower the students to know that they could get the resources for themselves.”
With the closet spanning the entire length of Patterson’s classroom, she has wiped the space clean and moved all materials into her cabinets. The closet’s sole purpose now is to serve as a food pantry.
When students visit Patterson’s classroom, the closet is what they are greeted with – making it as private as possible for those who prefer it.
The food pantry officially opened on Nov. 14. Students are welcome to visit the pantry during B Block, which is Patterson’s prep time. However, she noted that the door to the closet is always open for students to come in and take what they need. “I would never turn a student away,” she said. Special education teacher Nancy Slator assists Patterson in supervising the advisory group. Slator said, when students visit Patterson’s room, she will talk with some of them. “Kids have said, “I thank you and my mom thanks you,”” shared Slator.
She went on to say that if a student does not want to go to the food pantry, they can email a list to Patterson on what they need, and she will put the items together for them.
While mostly food is found in the closet, there is also some clothing, baby food for students to bring home to their families, along with pet food. A popular item that has been donated is canned ravioli, said Slator.
The items being donated have come from students and teachers. Slator said one teacher came in and gave Patterson $100 to go toward the pantry. She recognized those who have donated, as the Ware Cares Advisory Council is actively seeking donations to keep the shelves stocked.
Slator explained that the group meets once a week during school to sort through items and dispose of last year’s food donations that have expired.
For several years, the school operated a food pantry. However, she said it did not receive a lot of publicity until this year. When the food pantry started back up after COVID-19, Slator said she and Patterson asked to take on the advisory role of the group.
The advisory council is made up of students in all grades. Slator said the purpose of an advisory council is for teachers to get together with students outside of academics. “It’s a way to make connections and get to know people you wouldn’t necessarily know otherwise,” she added.
As time goes on, Slator said the council would like to connect with local food pantries and businesses to assist with keeping the shelves stocked, receiving donations and so on. In the meantime, their goal is to inform students about the offering and assist them in any way possible.
“It’s been really nice how people have been stepping up,” said Slator. “The kids who need it have been really appreciative.”
To donate to the food pantry, items can be delivered to Patterson’s room, number 178. At the entrance of the WJSHS, there is also a large cardboard box designated for donation drop offs.